Determination of nutritive value, invitro digestibility and degradationof north rangeland of Semnan province (Chashm)and comparison with local livestock requirements

Rearing of Sangesari breed in Semnan province depends on Chashm rangeland and determining the quality of forage is one of the most important factors for proper management of rangelands, therefore,this study was conducted to determine the nutritive value of Chasham rangeland and compare it with sheep requirements. Samples obtained by using quadrate dropping in 20 replicates and after identifying of the genus and species, proximate analysis, determining calcium and phosphorus, fibers, dry matter and crude protein degradability and invitro digestibility  (Tilly &Terry and Gas Production techniques) were done. Results showed this pasture included five species from four families included Asteraceae, Rhamaaceae, Polygonaceae, Fabaceae. Amount of DM, CP, CF, NDF, ADF, ADL, EE, calcium, phosphorus and Ash were 94.24, 8.23, 35.75, 65.15, 50.30, 14.20, 1.15, 1.229, 0.085, 8.25 percent respectively and metabolizable energy concentration was 1.40 Mcal/KgDM. Generally, this pasture in major parameters (Energy and Protein) have the nutritive value between Conventional Forages (alfalfa and straw(. As a conclusion, feeding sheep (in different periods of life),on this pasture could not lead to meet all nutrients requirements exceptcalcium and to achievement to maximum production efficiency using of supplementary feeding is necessary